7 so ADDITIONAL EXERCTSES 



Coprinus comattis. Shaggy Marie (Edible) (Figs. 268 and 270). 



Cap oblong, bell-shaped, not fully expanding, fleshy at center, moist, cuticle 

 separating into scales that are sometimes white, sometimes yellowish or darker, and 

 show the white flesh beneath, splitting from the margin along the lines of the gills; 

 gills broad, crowded, free, white, soon becoming pink or salmon-colored and chang- 

 ing to purplish-black just previous to deliquescence; stem brittle, smooth or fibril- 



FiG. 269. — Glistening inky cap, Coprinus micaceus. (Photo by W. H. Walrrtsley.) 



lose, hollow, thick, attenuated upward, sometimes slightly bulbous at base, easily 

 separating from the cap; ring thin, movable. 



Cap usually 1 J^ to 3 inches long; stem 2 to 4 inches long, 4 to 6 lines thick. 



This species has a wide geographic distribution and is universally enjoyed by 

 mycophagists. The fungus is very attractive when young, often white, again show- 

 ing gray, tawny, or pinkish tints. It appears in the spring and faU, sometimes soli- 

 tary, sometimes in groups, on lawns, in rich soil, or in gardens. 



